Madura proves love for cows

Madura proves love for cows

PAMEKASAN, East Java: Eighty percent of poor villagers on the
island of Madura who are eligible for a government aid program
say they want to use the money to buy cows.

The government has identified villages in four districts in
Madura -- Bangkalan, Sampang, Sumenep and Pamekasan -- as
deserving of aid for impoverished villages.

Hasbullah, a governor's aide who oversees the island, said he
was overwhelmed by villagers' requests that the government give
them cows because they are experienced in cattle breeding.

"Although none of the four districts have a sizable prairie,
they are eager to breed and produce quality cattle," he said as
quoted by Antara.

"Madura islanders have unquestionable skills in cattle
breeding because historically, they have close relations with
cows, which have become a symbol of their culture," he said.
(pan)